2 Indian soldiers killed, 10 injured in J&K firing

Two Indian Army soldiers were killed in action during an ongoing anti-terror operation in the dense forests of Kulgam district, as the encounter entered its ninth day on Saturday (August 9), reports NDTV.

The deceased have been identified as Lieutenant/Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh. stating, Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts… Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us.”

Two more soldiers were injured overnight, raising the total number of injured personnel to ten.

The joint operation, involving the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF, was launched last Friday following intelligence inputs on the presence of a heavily armed terrorist group in the Akhal area of Kulgam. One local terrorist was killed in the initial exchange of fire.

Security forces, including special forces and para commandos, are navigating tough terrain as they continue the search. Drones and attack helicopters are being used extensively to target suspected hideouts in the thick alpine forest, with drone-dropped explosives seen hitting specific locations amid continuous gunfire and sporadic explosions.

According to Indian police, the group initially consisted of five terrorists, including at least three foreign militants trained in jungle warfare.

This is one of the longest counter-terror operations in the region in recent years, highlighting the presence of a well-entrenched group using the difficult landscape to their advantage.